Police arrest 129 suspected criminals, rescue 30 kidnap victims

Edo State Police Command says it arrested no fewer than 129 suspects for various crimes in the state between January 2026.

The Command also disclosed that it rescued 30 kidnapped victims, recovered six stolen vehicles, three stolen motorcycles, and 39 stolen phones.

DAILY POST reports that Monday Agbonika, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, disclosed this on Friday at the first end-of-the-month press conference of 2026 in Benin City.

Agbonika gave a breakdown of the arrests, which included 13 suspected murderers, 14 suspected armed robbers, 87 suspected kidnappers, and 15 suspected cultists. He said many of the kidnappers were rescued unharmed.

He also provided a breakdown of the cache of arms and ammunition recovered during the period under review: two fabricated AK-47 rifles with six rounds of live ammunition, an AK-47 rifle with 30 rounds of live ammunition, 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition, five cut-to-size single-barrelled shotguns, 28 Dane guns, a Makarov pistol, a Beretta pistol, a double-barrelled shotgun, and 20 live cartridges.

He said the feats were achieved by working in close synergy with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Edo State Security Corps, the Department of State Services, and local hunters.

The synergy was realized through coordinated bush-combing operations, night raids, highway checkpoints, sting operations, and tactical offensives.

According to him, “From the forests of Edo North to the highways and flashpoints of Edo Central, we have sustained an unrelenting, intelligence-driven onslaught against kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, murder suspects, and every organized crime network that seeks to threaten the peace of the good people of Edo State.”

“With the aid of helicopters and drone technology, gallant and dedicated police operatives have conducted several high-risk joint operations, moving from forest to forest into the heart of thick bushes where kidnappers’ dens once operated with impunity. Today, many of those camps have been dismantled, while suspected kidnappers are arrested with their arms and other exhibits recovered. Many of those routes once feared have been reopened,” he said.

The Police Commissioner said the Command has sustained the fight against criminality since the initial proactive action ahead of the Valentine celebration.

While adding that operatives of the Command have not relented or wavered, he acknowledged that each weapon recovered is a life potentially saved, and each arrest brings justice closer to those threatened by crime.

Agbonika posited that the tempo of operations would not only be sustained but intensified.

He assured that the security agencies are determined to restore lasting peace, strengthen public confidence, and ensure that Edo State remains safe for law-abiding residents and investors.

He, however, commended the State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for his magnanimity in donating a squadron of drones and other logistical support, which he noted has significantly enhanced the operational capacity of the security agencies.

Agbonika noted that the carefully selected tactical operatives have undergone specialized drone training, giving the Command real-time aerial reconnaissance capabilities.

“To our officers and men who brave bullets, harsh terrain, and sleepless nights, I commend your courage. To the good people of Edo State, continue to support us with credible information. Security is a shared responsibility, and together we will win,” he stated.

Police arrest 129 suspected criminals, rescue 30 kidnap victims